Finley reserves: (Back, from left) Jesse McDonald, Jeremy Congram, Jonty King, Doug Billings, Jeremy Doolan, Harry Daniel, Marcus Anderson, Marcus Jackson (Coach), James Kennedy (Coach), Spencer Hawkins, Cameron Isedale, Luke Congram, Will Doolan, Dan Harris (Team Manager), Harrison King, Damien Sexton (Assistant Coach); (front) Sam Price, Paul Massingham, Peter Cochrane, Dom Philpot, Nathan Brown, Jordan Sykes, Kade Pyle, Chris Wright, Bailey Burke, Sam Hurlston, Jack Miley, Isaiah Kuru, Nichollas Lunn, Ben Nisbet, Beau Lawrence.
Finley’s reserves faced a tough test against Congupna on Sunday in their Murray Football Netball League semi-final, with the Cats producing a strong opening quarter before eventually going down by 48 points.
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Finley came out firing, taking control early and playing with plenty of energy and intent.
The Cats’ pressure and ball movement were rewarded on the scoreboard, heading into quarter time with a well-earned 25-18 lead.
Liam Rafferty was outstanding early, making the most of his opportunities and finishing with three goals in the first half to give the Cats plenty of scoreboard impact.
Cameron Isedale was also at his best in the backline, reading the play superbly and taking a number of important intercept marks to help keep Finley in the contest.
Congupna responded strongly in the second quarter and turned the momentum around, taking a 48-33 lead into half-time.
The Cats continued to work hard, but Congupna’s pressure and ability to control territory began to show as the game progressed.
Luke Congram provided a strong option up forward throughout the day, taking some strong marks and giving the Cats an important target inside 50.
Through the midfield, Chris Wright and Jordan Sykes provided plenty of run and worked tirelessly to keep Finley moving forward.
After three quarters, Congupna had extended their advantage to 79-45.
Despite the scoreboard, Finley continued to compete right through the final term and never stopped working for each other, eventually finishing with 57 points to Congupna’s 105.
Jack Miley deserves special mention for an exceptional team role, putting the team first and contributing in all the little areas that often go unnoticed.
While the result wasn’t what the Cats were after, there is plenty to be proud of from this group.
The development and growth throughout the season has been impressive, and reaching the finals and winning a final along the way is a terrific reward for the commitment shown by the playing group.
The experience gained from this finals campaign will be invaluable for a group that continues to build together, with plenty of exciting signs for the future.
Final score: Finley 9.3 (57) def by Congupna 17.3 (105).
Goals: Liam Rafferty 3, Paul Massingham 2, Marcus Anderson, Jonty King, Jeremy Doolan, Luke Congram.
Best: Liam Rafferty, Luke Congram, Cameron Isedale, Chris Wright, Jack Miley, Jordan Sykes.
Fourths
Finley under-14s: (Back, from left) Nick Flanagan (Coach), Riley Gatty, Rory Burton, Samuel Hay, Sam White, Noah Brindley, Henry Pascoe, Orlando Orsida, Callum Tanner, John Hay (Coach); (middle) Lincoln Price, Thomas Metcalf, Elijah Tooke, Thomas Bain, Harley Dundon, Jed Flanagan, Prince Edgar Jangao, David Hay, Levi Jakeman, Hudson Daniel; (front) Shayne Kunzekweguta, Dylan Pyle, William Harris, Zander Fleming, Lincoln Cicolini, Jackson Pyle, Jake Arthur, Flynn Rourke, Lachlan Urquhart.
Finley’s under-14s side booked their place in the September 19 grand final with a terrific 22-point win over Cobram.
Played in wet and rainy conditions, the Cats started strongly and led 14-1 at quarter time, setting the tone with their pressure, discipline and willingness to work for one another.
The conditions made clean football difficult, but the boys adapted well, attacked the contest and kept finding a way to move the ball forward.
Cobram continued to challenge, but Finley remained composed and produced a decisive third quarter to take control of the contest.
It was a performance built on an enormous team effort.
All 22 players could have been named among the best.
Every player had a role to play and contributed, whether it was winning a hard ball, laying a tackle, defending, creating space or supporting a teammate.
There were no passengers and that commitment to one another was the most pleasing part of the win.
The Cats’ defensive pressure, work rate and ability to stay composed in a high pressure final, particularly in the slippery conditions were outstanding.
When Cobram pushed, Finley continued to answer and showed plenty of maturity to keep playing their way.
For a group that has worked so hard throughout the season, earning a place in the grand final is a wonderful achievement.
Coaches Nick Flanagan and John Hay, along with runner ‘Muzza’ Urquhart have continued to reinforce a team first approach and the boys delivered exactly that when it mattered most.
